Take ACTION NOW: take the Staradvertiser survey if you are a subscriber: http://www.staradvertiser.com/staradvertiser-poll/agree-governors-veto-aquarium-fish-collecting-bill/, (NO, the Governor should have signed SB1240). SB1240 was a sane way to phase out a destructive industry that devastates coral reef ecosystems and reduces reef wildlife. Please … Continue reading →

The Environmental Caucus of DPH (along with scientists, non-governmental organizations, and numerous individuals) worked hard to make sure SB1240 passed both the State House of Representatives and Senate. The bill requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit … Continue reading →

Today’s article is a fair summary of the issue. This imperfect bill, because it’s a compromise, should still become law. We need legislation to hold the State and DLNR accountable for allowing the aquarium trade to flourish unencumbered. They must devise a plan that is sustainable. Unlimited collection of our reef marine life is certainly not sustainable!!

Please email Brandon Asuka at the Governors Office: Brandon.T.Asuka@hawaii.gov Let him know how you feel about SB1240.

The potential veto of SB1240, a bill to protect Hawai`i reef wildlife, comes at a perfectly ironic time, as the Hokuleʻa basks in accomplishment, bringing it’s message of hope and Mālama Honua home. Meanwhile, the current Director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Suzanne Case, claims that it is “premature to consider a ban before more studies are done.” Why should anyone listen to the very agency that has failed for decades to evaluate the environmental effects, neglected to collect data or use precaution when allowing commercial aquarium trade and trafficking of reef wildlife in Hawaiʻi.

Now is not the time to wait and see but the time to leap to action in the hopes of protecting local Reefs from further degradation. Many Senators and Representatives have evaluated this measure and decided that it is sound. Many passionate organizations and individuals have labored to ensure that this becomes law now. We all need to stand together and let our Governor know that we support this law so he can say no to the forces that are asking for a VETO. Contact Governor Ige today!! Go to the website: governor.hawaii.gov (select the contact tab & select comment on legislation SB1240) Or call : (808) 586-0034.

REMINDER Our Next General Membership meeting is: WEDNESDAY, April 05, 2017 @7pm Democratic Party Headquarters 627 South Street Honolulu Join us to discuss Environmental issues in Hawaii and get an update on the latest Environmental Legislation. Light refreshments will be … Continue reading →

Tomorrow – Thursday, March 2 at 930am, the Senate Judiciary and Labor Committee will be conducting decision-making on an important OXYBENZONE bill. Conf Room 016 down in the basement. Please be there if you can to show the Senators that … Continue reading →

The Environmental Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii had a general membership meeting which was a huge success. We gathered and approved many legislative priorities in each of our three subcommittees. One of the approved priorities included support of … Continue reading →

Apologies…Some may have recieved a message which indicated meeting time of 5:30. This is to clarify that our general membership meeting is tonight at 7pm. See the post below for teleconference instructions.